| | Despite winning Tuesday night's Sugar Bowl, going undefeated and claiming its second national title since 1993, Florida State is still not the team of the decade according to ESPN's Beano Cook.
During a chat session with ESPN.com users, Cook wrapped up the college football season by crowning the Nebraska Cornhuskers the team of the 90s, reviewed this past season and looked ahead to 2000.
Check out this edited transcript from his Jan. 5 chat and find out his early prediction for next year's title game. You might be surprised.
| |  | | Nebraska is Beano Cook's team of the decade. |
Beano Cook: Good afternoon. Although the Sugar Bowl was not a classic, I think it will be a
better game than the Super
Bowl, but most games are. I am not going to say Michael Vick is going to win two Heismans, but he might. Vick is the most exciting player since Rocket Ismail at Notre Dame. The 90s were quite good for Bobby Bowden. He played in four national title games, going 2-2. In the even years, the schedule is more favorable than the odd years. Florida and Clemson both visit Tallahassee next year.
Jonathan: Who was the college football team of the decade?
Beano Cook:
I will say that when Bobby Bowden first came to Florida State, the program was in shambles.
So give Bowden credit for what he has built. That said, for the decade, I would go with Nebraska with three national titles and they had a shot at a fourth, losing to Florida State, ironically.
Smitty: Nebraska would have beat FSU last night. Their run defense is terrible.
Beano Cook: You will never be able to prove that.
Jaytee: How do you feel about your boy LaVar Arrington leaving for the pros? I guess he won't win that Heisman after all.
Beano Cook:
I never predicted he would win it. I just said I would vote for him at the
time I was asked. He
will be doing better than either of us when he goes in the top three of the
draft.
By the way,
Peter Warrick probably added a couple of zeroes, or maybe five or six, to
his paycheck with
his performance last night.
SurferJoe: How about the Big Ten: 5-2 in bowls, 2-0 in BCS games, 3-1 on New Years, three
teams in the
top seven.
Beano Cook:
The Big Ten had a very good year. To me, the most encouraging thing about the league was the play of Illinois. That conference can get real, real tough. Also remember, Purdue could have won against Georgia. Then again, Michigan could have lost to Alabama to even that slate.
MAC: Please address your thoughts on FSU's program. I can't think of any more polite ways to ask if you also believe that FSU is the epitome of what is wrong with college football.
Beano Cook:
I would not want to be held responsible for everything I did at age 20 or 21. Peter Warrick did a dumb thing and he has paid for it. Now let's leave him alone. However, he should consider himself fortunate in one area...he doesn't play basketball. Imagine if he had to go play at Cameron Indoor Stadium with the Cameron Crazies at Duke!
Tim: Do you think this is it for Dan Marino? What about the Dolphins' chances in the playoffs this year? They have about as easy a road as you could possibly ask for.
Beano Cook:
Yes, I think it is. Miami will get lots of frequent flyer miles this week,
though it could be a
consolation prize.
Nick: Does Virginia Tech have a shot at returning to the national championship game in 2001?
Beano Cook:
Having Michael Vick for starters makes them dangerous. A lot depends on
Shyrone Stith
returning.
Prediction: If N.C. State doesn't name a coach by next Monday, don't be shocked if Bill Cowher takes the job. Right now, Chuck Amato of Florida State is the favorite.
Joe: Both defenses looked soft last night. Do you believe the two best teams in college football played?
Beano Cook:
Yes, both were unbeaten. If you are going to go by who would be favored,
let Las Vegas tell
us before the season which team wins it.
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COOK'S FILE
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Cook, who joined ESPN in March 1986, serves as a college football studio commentator and occasional sideline reporter. He also offers college football commentary on ESPN Radio. Cook came to ESPN after four years (1982-85) at ABC Sports as a studio commentator during its College Football Association telecasts. From 1977-82, he worked in public relations for CBS Sports. From 1974-77, he was a sportswriter for the St. Petersburg Times; the director of public relations for the Miami Dolphins; public relations director for the Mutual Radio Network and he also toured with VISTA. He was ABC Sports NCAA press director from 1966-74.
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Mayday: The Clippers and Nuggets played recently. Were you there? Who did you cheer for?
Beano Cook:
No, I missed it. When do they play again?
Marshall fan: Do you think Marshall can compete with the big guys in college football? They beat Clemson and BYU this year. Is the MAC too small for the Herd?
Beano Cook:
They can compete if they don't play too many of them. Remember, they did
beat Clemson
early this year. They don't have enough players to compete in the SEC and
Big Ten, but they
could be competitive vs. ACC foes.
Corndog: Who's got the inside track for the title next year, Beano?
Beano Cook:
My very, very early prediction, subject to change based on players leaving for the pros early and other factors, Washington vs. Florida State for the national title. Miami at Washington will be a big game next year. Miami-Florida State always will be a big one.
Big Red: Three coaches on the hot seat in 2000?
Beano Cook: Bob Davie, Paul Hackett, John Cooper.
George Power: What do you think Florida State's record would be if they played a typical Big Ten schedule?
Beano Cook:
The same as it is now. If I recall, Florida State has won at Ohio State and Michigan in recent years, and those schools have wanted no part of going to Tallahassee. Michigan's non-league schedule next year is two MAC teams and UCLA.
Badger 74: Will Alvarez take the Packers' job? Say it ain't so!
Beano Cook:
Well, if he wants to associate himself with agents, that is his problem. The Wisconsin program right now is in the position to win the national title. I'm not saying they will, but they are getting the players and they have the coach.
Bob in Charlotte: Why the heck don't you ever smile and seem to have the shortest fuse of any
TV personality I
have ever seen?
Beano Cook:
I don't have a short fuse. I don't take all of this as life and death.
Besides, I am not on TV that
much any more.
Go Blue: Michigan only plays one MAC team, UCLA and Rice. Bowling Green was added because Oklahoma State bought out of their contract. The Wolverines might play in the Kickoff Classic to add another good game. And by the way, FSU's trips up north really weren't recent.
Beano Cook:
Excuse me, I was told differently by a Michigan station. My punishment will
be to watch local
news for 20 straight hours.
That will be followed by eight straight hours of a PBS pledge drive.
10-2 MSU: Va. Tech and Kansas State have been criticized for playing soft nonconference schedules.
However, do you think they will have a difficult time scheduling tougher teams? Some schools may not want to take that risk. For example, I know Alabama doesn't want to play the Hokies again (Re: 1998 Music City Bowl)
Beano Cook:
The biggest problem they have is to get big name teams to make a home and home series.
There is a rumor that Penn State will play Virginia Tech 20 times, but only once in Blacksburg.
TI: Have you ever heard Tim Brando's impersonation of you? He sounds
more like you
than you do.
Beano Cook:
Yes, I have. Brando always calls me from the airport. When Tim Brando dies,
the telephone
stocks will all go down eight percent. Brando should be in those
commercials instead of Paul
Reiser.
Corny: Who are your Heisman, Butkus, and Outland favorites for 2000?
Beano Cook:
It is a little too early, even for me. Vick and Brees would be the top Heisman guys. Tommy Polley of Florida State is a good linebacker as my first Butkus thought.
Arrington and Diggs are
both going to the NFL.
Chad: What do you think about what Bob Stoops has done with the football program at the University of Oklahoma? Do you think he can return them to the national spotlight?
Beano Cook:
Yes, definitely. The problem is he's in a tough division, playing Texas and Texas A&M every year. You have to like Josh Heupel at quarterback.
Billksu55: How do you think Nebraska will do for next year?
Beano Cook:
By the way, I feel Nebraska-Florida State would have been a good game, but this BCS championship was a good game too. Nebraska will always be around the top 5-10. Every year, when they rate the top recruiting classes, Nebraska usually isn't in it. How do they do it every year? By the way, Eric Crouch is also a darkhorse candidate for the Heisman. If the Cornhuskers are 12-0, he will get consideration.
Mitch: You mentioned in a previous chat that you thought Notre Dame would be a contender next year. Do you still think they can bounce back? Is Davies the man to lead them back?
Beano Cook:
I am beginning to... well, I don't know what to say. I don't by the
argument that they don't have
material. I would have to say right now they are not a top 16 team. Maybe I
am overrating
Notre Dame's material.
T.J.: Did Texas' late slide end the honeymoon for Mack Brown?
Beano Cook:
No. Next year he gets A&M at Texas and doesn't face Nebraska unless it is
in the Big 12 title
game. Applewhite will be sidelined for a while now, but they have Chris
Simms ready and
waiting for the opportunity.
Go Canes: STOP THE PRESSES! Beano Cook does not think Notre Shame is a top 16 team!
Are you feeling alright?
Beano Cook:
Feeling quite well, except for a few ailments. Happy New Year.
FSU Fan: How much longer do you think Bobby Bowden will coach and do you think they can keep up the pace they set in the 90s?
Beano Cook:
I think he will keep up the pace and he will beat Paterno's coaching win
total after Paterno
passes Bear Bryant.
FiredUp: Who has the best NFL potential out of this year's draft class?
Beano Cook:
Arrington, Courtney Brown and Peter Warrick.
SurferJoe: Nebraska does it by making "walk-on" offers to local kids who live and die
RED. Cheating? No,
but a big advantage over other schools. Maybe Oklahoma, Texas, etc. can
start "stealing" their
kids.
Beano Cook:
I agree with that. But why isn't that the case at Michigan, Illinois, and other
schools. Nebraska does
get the walk-ons and have done so for years. If it wasn't Texas, Nebraska
might have won two
more national titles in the 90s.
Steve: Does the Big 10 deserve to have seven top 25 teams?
Beano Cook: This year, I would say yes.
Brandon: Just got back from the Sugar Bowl and wanted to know whether you would now
consider FSU
to be the team of the decade?
Beano Cook:
Since you just got back from the game, I will repeat what I said earlier. I would give a slight edge to Nebraska based on overall national championships won. But it is a great feat to finish ranked in the top four at the end of the season 12 straight years.
Jeff: Will the BCS accept ABC's contract extension?
Beano Cook:
I would say right now 60-40 yes. Of course that means if it is accepted, there would be no chance for a tournament for at least 5-6 years.
Jon: What's your thoughts on Miami-Florida next year? Have you heard if Butch Davis is staying?
Beano Cook:
Miami will be loaded. Jackson returning at RB helps. I don't know what will happen with Butch Davis. My best bet is Franks will go to the pros.
Thank you very much for your questions. I enjoyed this season and being with you. I look forward to doing this again next season, and probably a few offseason chats. Now we are stuck watching baseball.
A point to remember -- of all the teams left in the NFL playoffs, only one team is from a major market. Everyone has a shot in pro football. That's why the NFL is more popular than baseball because on the diamond, fewer teams have a chance. Finally, if there are tickets available for Clippers-Nuggets later this year, let me know! Thanks again.
Good luck until next season.
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